Appointments
Bishop Tracy S. Malone announces the following clergy appointments and/or changes of status which, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
| 2023 Appointments | |||
| Pastor | Appointment | District | Effective |
| Donald Ebert | Galion St. Paul UMC | MO | |
| Thomas Kalb | North Canton Faith UMC | TW | |
| Stephen Knisely | UMC Berea | NC | |
#BeUMC
“I was born United Methodist, but I continue to stay United Methodist due to the doctrine of grace. We receive God’s grace from the beginning and once we receive God’s grace we want to become more like Christ, and we want to serve into the world which is why I have dedicated my life the way I have.”
Riedthaler is one of many East Ohio Conference laity and clergy who are sharing their stories of how our denomination is making a daily difference in both their lives and their ministries. To tell your #BeUMC story, sharing the ways that your life continues to be transformed through ministries of The United Methodist Church, e-mail EOC Communications Specialist Brett Hetherington.
View #BeUMC stories & the EOC #BeUMC website.
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Each episode of our podcast Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation explores what is means to #BeUMC.
Episode Four is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: The Black Pastors’ Fellowship”. The episode features Fellowship President the Rev. Dawan Buie, discipleship pastor at Medina UMC, sharing how the many connections between members positively influence their lives and impact their ministries.
Listen to archived episodes of Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation.
For questions about Communications ministries such as the #BeUMC campaign, live-streaming, licensing, social media and more, please e-mail Rick Wolcott, executive director of Communications, or visit the Communications pages of the Conference website.
Bishop’s Office
Lenten Message: Being Good Stewards of God’s Creation
Beloved, in this season of Lent, I invite you to join me on a journey of being stewards of God’s creation. The season of Lent is a time for reflection and introspection, a time to go deeper in our discipleship, in our walk with Christ, in our journey of faith.
The 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter can be a season of transformation should we choose to embrace the invitation, to slow down, to reflect, to ponder and pray, to take a step back from the busyness and the regularity of our daily routines and intentionally create space for the inward work of examination. This Holy season can be a season of transformation if we allow God’s Spirit to heal the broken places in our lives, to expand our imaginations, and to give us renewed courage for our lives, for ministry, and for the future.
During this season of Lent, I am inviting us, together, to expand our imagination and to focus our attention, together, on the stewardship of God’s creation. I encourage us, yes, to do the spiritual work of healing and self-examination and I’m also encouraging us to look outside of ourselves, to look outside of our circumstances and get a better grasp on our relationship with God’s creation.
We are trustees of God’s creation. We are an agent of God’s handiwork. God declares all creation good, and, as Christians, we have a collective responsibility to be caretakers.
What if all of us see the call to environmental stewardship as part of God’s calling in our lives, individually and collectively? What if we all were to begin by having conversations about the climate crisis?
Friends, we are on this journey together to be good stewards of God’s creation.
Annual Conference
Annual Conference 2023
The 54th session of Annual Conference is June 8-10 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. The theme for this year’s conference is Faith Hope Love and the words of 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (CEB) will guide worship services and business sessions.
Registration for Annual Conference 2023 will again be online only, beginning Monday, April 3 and ending Friday, May 12.
Register to Sing in the Annual Conference Choir
The Conference choir is a highly valued part of our worship life during Annual Conference. Singing in the choir offers a chance to gather many voices from around the East Ohio Conference to provide musical offerings during worship services. Choir members are asked to register in advance so that Joe Leaman, this year’s director, can order music. Those who register will receive a rehearsal schedule closer to Annual Conference.
Thank you in advance for your commitment to singing and to helping carry on the long tradition of excellence in music during East Ohio Annual Conference! If you have questions about the Annual Conference choir, please e-mail Melanie Glazer.
Learn more and register to sing in the AC choir.
Proposed Resolutions Must Be Submitted by March 15
Full rules concerning resolutions can be found in The Conference Journal beginning on page 8-28 in ¶2.I.
Definition: Resolutions are matters for consideration by the Annual Conference which are not motions for action or proper amendments to reports by Conference agencies, but which call for expression of opinion by the Annual Conference on issues of concern to the membership of the church and the public. Resolutions may be submitted by any member of a United Methodist Church or an organization of the East Ohio Conference.
Submitted Resolutions must include each of the following:
- Resolution Title. The resolution number will be provided by the Conference secretary.
- Funding source if not specifically included in the budget.
- The “Whereas” statements providing rationale for the resolution.
- The “Resolved” statements providing the specific stance or action called for.
- Submitter’s name. If the resolution is submitted by a group than an individual contact person should be indicated, and that person’s cell phone and e-mail address should be included.
The deadline to submit resolutions so that they can printed in the Pre-Conference Workbook is March 15. Resolutions should be e-mailed to Rev. Cindy Patterson, Annual Conference secretary. Resolutions that become timely after the March 15 deadline can be e-mailed to Rev. Cindy Patterson by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the start of Annual Conference. The Annual Conference will have the opportunity to vote to consider resolutions submitted after the deadline.
Council of Bishops
Photo Courtesy of United Methodist Communications.
Reclaim. Revive. Renew.: Mid-Term State of The UMC Address
“I believe it’s time for us in The United Methodist Church to have a new conversation,” said Council of Bishops President Bishop Thomas Bickerton, resident bishop of the New York Episcopal Area. “It is time, no dare I say, long overdue for us to go back to the heart of who we are, to use words once again like reclamation, revival, and renewal because we believe that those words lead to nothing less than a conversion of the heart. I believe at the heart of that reclaimed, revived, and renewed conversation is a need for us to discover once again what it means to be a beloved community.”
View the Mid-Term State of The UMC Address.
Connectional Ministries
Amplify Media Orientation Video Available on Portico
Our East Ohio Conference has partnered with Amplify Media, a division of the United Methodist Publishing House, to offer local churches a discounted opportunity to download small group resources. This partnership succeeds the former EOC Media Center in supporting our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Amplify Media created a video tutorial to orient East Ohio Conference churches to its resources and explain the first-year 50% new-member discount available to our churches. The video can be viewed on Portico, the free online curriculum resource available to all EOC clergy and laity. Signing up is easy – and free. Portico enables users to take online courses when their schedule permits and to move at their own pace.
Learn more about Portico and sign-up for free to use the platform.
Portico members can view the Amplify Media orientation video.
New Connectional Ministries Office Administrative Assistant
Executive Director of Connectional Ministries the Rev. Ed Fashbaugh shared that effective February 27 Amy George is the administrative assistant serving both Connectional Ministries Office Multicultural Ministries Director Will Fenton-Jones and Connectional Ministries Office Strategic Ministries Director the Rev. Beth Ortiz.
“Amy is an excellent, knowledgeable team member and is truly gifted in hospitality. I thank Amy for her dedicated work as Media Center coordinator and am proud of the ways in which she aided pastors, congregations, and faith communities in our transition to partnering with Amplify Media,” said Fashbaugh.
George works in the office Monday-Thursday and her e-mail address, and phone extension, 139, remain the same.
For questions about ministries of the Connectional Ministries office, please e-mail the Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries, or visit the Connectional Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Missions & Community Engagement
UMCOR Sunday is March 19
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Sunday is a denomination-wide celebration designed to raise awareness and support for UMCOR. The special offering received on March 19 will underwrite UMCOR’s “cost of doing business” making it possible for UMCOR to focus on responding to communities and individuals when they need immediate assistance. The offering allows UMCOR to preserve the promise that 100% of any donation to a specific UMCOR project or missionary will go towards that project and not to any administrative cost.
Learn more and order UMCOR Sunday resources.
UMVIM Mondays in Lent Continue Through April 3
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Mondays have begun but there’s still time to register for free, one-day mission journeys to learn about the following East Ohio Conference mission Advance partners: Urban Mission in Steubenville, Epworth Center in Bethesda, Covered Bridge Mission in Jefferson, and The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland. Join us on Mondays to be the hands and feet of Jesus during Lent.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Become a One Warm Coat Community Partner
First United Methodist Church of Akron invites you to join the congregation in supporting One Warm Coat. The church is accepting donations of new and gently used coats of all sizes for children and adults in need. All coats collected will be donated locally to neighbors in need who attend Akron First UMC’s free lunch program or anyone who identifies they have a need for a coat.
Donations may be dropped off at First United Methodist Church of Akron at 263 East Mill Street Akron, Ohio 44308 during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Call Gena at the church, (330) 376-8143, or e-mail her Before dropping off a coat, please call the church office at (330) 376-8143 before dropping off coats or if you host a One Warm Coat Drive collection and need us to pick up coats, we will arrange to pick up your donation.
For questions about Missions & Community Engagement ministries and opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries office Missions & Community Engagement director, or visit the Missions & Community Engagement pages of the Conference website.
Multicultural Ministries
Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation – April 22
On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 you are invited to learn further ways we can all take responsibility for caring for God’s creation. Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation is an event designed to inform you, your church, and your community how to respond to our current climate realities. Experts and local organizers will share their perspectives offering insight on how we can live into a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world for all.
The event will feature six breakout presentations and keynote speaker Tim Van Meter, associate professor and coordinator of Ecological Initiatives at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He is a leading expert and theologian in how Christians can work towards living in harmony with all of God’s creation. The breakout sessions are titled Climate and Hunger, Climate and Racism, Climate and Refugees, Ecotheology 101, Intergenerational Climate Care, and United Methodist EarthKeepers.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Stations of the Cross Exhibit Available to EOC Churches
The Multicultural Ministries office has obtained a one-of-a-kind Stations of the Cross exhibit featuring artist renderings of the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The paintings of the 14 traditional stations of the cross, plus an additional print entitled “Jesus Ascends into Heaven”, were created during Lent 2019 by death row inmates at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee.
This display consists of 15 foam-core mounted prints (23.5”x35.5” each) with an additional board that introduces the display and 16 collapsible easels. Brochures with scripture, possible meditations, and prayers to accompany the exhibit are currently in production. If you are interested in using this Stations of the Cross exhibit, please e-mail Amy George, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.
For questions about Multicultural Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, or visit the Multicultural Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Young People’s Ministries
Youth Annual Conference Recharge Rally – June 17
Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to Camp Wanake for Youth Annual Conference (YAC) 2023. The theme is Recharge, and the focus scripture is Matthew 11:28. Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) is planning a full day of worship, games, hiking, food, and fellowship. Registration cost is $20 and includes a t-shirt, lunch, and dinner. Register early because space is limited to the first 150 people who sign-up. If you have questions about YAC 2023, e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assisstant.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Young People’s Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, or visit the Young People’s Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Higher Education
Podcast Hosts to Visit and Record at University of Mount Union – March 30
The University of Mount Union welcomes The Deconstruction Zone podcast hosts the Rev. Danny Lybarger and Emily Zell at 6:30 p.m. on March 30 in the Dewald Chapel. In their podcast Lybarger, an Elder in the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church, and Zell, a comedian, navigate the gray of following Jesus while unlearning and rethinking what they were taught about Him.
There is no cost for this night of standup comedy, a short TED talk with Lybarger explaining about Deconstruction and why it shouldn’t be viewed as a sin, and a live recording of a podcast episode with feedback and interaction from the audience. Please e-mail the Rev. Tim Morrison, University chaplain with any questions.
Learn more about the Deconstruction Zone podcast.
For questions about Higher Education ministry opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries/Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director, or visit the Higher Education pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Summer Camp 2023: Every Summer Has a Story
At East Ohio Camps, we want every kid to have a summer story that is full of fun, faith formation, adventure, and growth. Our hope is that when your child tells the story of what they did this past summer they include a week of camp where, “I connected with great friends and great counselors, had fun adventures, learned new things, experienced God in nature, and now my faith is soaring!” And that is what we are planning for summer 2023.
Please encourage the children, youth, and families of your congregation to include East Ohio Camps as a chapter in the story of Summer 2023. If you need Summer Camps brochures, send us an e-mail or call the Connectional Ministries Camps office at (800) 831-3972 ext. 108 or ext. 120.
View the programs offered at each camp and register for Summer Camp 2023.
Check on Available Camperships
Camperships are available to ensure that all people have an opportunity to attend camp. Call the Connectional Ministries Camps office at (800) 831-3972 ext. 108 or ext. 120 to ask about camperships, or call your district office.
Early Bird Registration is Different This Year
If you register by March 15, your camper will receive a limited-edition 2023 Summer Camp t-shirt that is not available in the camps stores (Aldersgate, Asbury, or Wanake). Plus, you will also get $20 off their summer camp fee. If you register by April 15, your camper will receive a limited-edition 2023 Summer Camp t-shirt that is not available in the camps stores (Aldersgate, Asbury, or Wanake).
Be a Part of Summer Camp Staff at Aldersgate, Asbury, or Wanake
Summer Camp staff is a cornerstone of the ministry of East Ohio Camps. Our summer program requires a great number of staff to be successful and we are currently looking for outstanding Christian women and men for these summer staff positions: counselors, lifeguards, program staff, food service, maintenance, and administration. We offer great Christian community, excellent training, free room and board, opportunity for ministry, and growth in leadership skills.
Learn more and apply to be on Summer Camp staff.
For questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries / Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director, or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Events: March 6 – March 19
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Wednesday, March 8
Bridges out of Poverty - Friday, March 10 & Saturday, March 11
Transforming Evangelism – Advanced Course - Saturday, March 18
COSROW Listening Post
To submit your event to the East Ohio calendar use this form. (The East Ohio Conference only accepts East Ohio United Methodist local church, conference and general UM events for listing on the Conference calendar.)
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- John Caddey, retired Elder, died February 2.
- Wendy Erb, retired Local Pastor, died February 22.
View obituaries
To submit the obituary of an EOC clergy, clergy spouse, or surviving spouse, family should contact Melissa McGee, executive secretary to the Bishop, by phone at (330) 499-3972 ext. 112 or via e-mail.
Classifieds
Details of listings may be found here.
Positions Available
- Administrative Assistant – North Olmsted UMC
- Two part-time Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries directors – The East Ohio Conference UMC
- Treasurer – Shoregate UMC
- Technical Media Director – Brecksville UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
To subscribe to E-News and all East Ohio Conference news updates, enter your email address in the “Follow News via Email” widget on the right sidebar. Information from this E-News may be copied and used in your local church. The next scheduled edition of the E-News is Monday, March 20, 2023.
Deadline for submission is Thursday, March 16, 2023. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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